Sharpsville school directors will interview candidates March 13 to fill a seat on the board vacated by Dr. Henry VanZanten.

VanZanten resigned last week. He said his wife planned to apply for a job as the school's head soccer coach, and he wanted to avoid any potential conflict of interest.

School board solicitor John Reed said directors have 30 days -- until March 21 -- to fill VanZanten's term, which expires in December 2003.

During the March 13 meeting, directors will conduct public interviews with all candidates and then vote, Reed said.

If the board deadlocks on a replacement, Reed said, directors could file a petition to have a county judge choose or could continue the meeting.

The time of the meeting will be announced when the board knows how many candidates will be interviewed, Reed said.

So far, three residents have applied for the seat: Gerard Hanley, Chris Combine and Linda Hanahan.

Residents of Sharpsville, Clark or South Pymatuning Township should send a letter of intent to the district office, 513 Main St., Sharpsville 16150 by 4 p.m. March 6.